Renewable Energy Refrigeration Systems Bring Smiles to People

The provision of renewable energy-based refrigeration systems by The University of the South Pacific (USP) to two remote fishing communities in Fiji have brought income-generation potential and smiles to their faces.

Project co-ordinator Atul Raturi acknowledged the French Pacific Fund which enabled the Sustainable Energy for Sustainable Development project to install these systems for the villagers of Tavuki in Kadavu and Vesi on Mali Island in Macuata, Vanua Levu.

He explained that due to the location of the communities, villagers have no means to store their catch for long periods. Most of their catches were often discarded because it fails to reach the market on time.

According to Mr Raturi, a solar PV +Battery system with or without a backup generator, can help power freezers using solar energy.

“A techno-economic analysis shows the win-win situation for all stakeholders, from fishermen to consumers through the implementation of these systems. The overall impact of these small interventions is significant in terms of improved livelihood,” he said.

Under the current funding of close to $100,000, four systems have been installed on Wainika and Vesi Village in Vanua Levu, Yanuca Island in Viti Levu and Tavuki in Kadavu. A fifth system is being installed on Kia Island, Vanua Levu.

Mr Raturi acknowledged the support of the French Embassy in Suva, without which the project would not have been possible.